Within the context of the recent turmoil surrounding Iran and Israel Shaul Mofaz, Israeli Transportation Minister and former Minister of Defence, has made disparaging remarks with regards to action that may be taken by Israel against Iran. In a recent interview he stated:

“If Iran continues with its program for developing nuclear weapons, we will attack it. The sanctions are ineffective,”

“Attacking Iran, in order to stop its nuclear plans, will be unavoidable.”

This particular response, although not ‘completely’ condoned by the Israeli government does seem to be similar to militaristic reactions they have had to other “threats.” For instance, their attacks in the Gaza Strip, their secret strike on a Syrian facility, and countless ‘fast first-strike’ methods they have used in the past. Another interesting piece of information is that The Jerusalem Post states Mofaz’s comments should be seen within the context of the inter-political antics that are playing out between Prime Minister hopeful Shaul Mofaz, and present Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. There is no way Mofaz’s statements can be contained within the confines of Israeli politics. They are of particular importance on an international scale. It is not as if Mofaz was making snark remarks about Olmert’s family or political ties, he is talking about waging war on another country! 

The situation with regards to the nuclear capability of Iran is still ’up in the air,’ and there is no clear evidence about the country having nuclear weapons. What is interesting is that the United States seems to have loosened its close ties with Israel on the proposed attacks on Iran. In a recent statement from Dana Perino, a White House spokesperson, she said that the United States was sticking to diplomacy to come to a resolution on the Iranian question. It is quite peculiar that the U.S. is not fully backing Israel’s proposed attack on Iran. Instead they are pushing for negotiations. Are these long time ‘buddy nations’ divided on this situation? Personally, I think the U.S. is just waiting for confirmation of nuclear weapons (real information or fake intelligence, I am not sure) and then they will attack Iran and support Israel (That’s what they did in Iraq, and it seems to be their archetype for waging war these days).

Another fascinating aspect to this situation is that Israel is asking for international assistance to put pressure on Iran. I find this very odd, since Israel doesn’t seem to listen to the international community on other issues (such as the Security Fence being built between the West Bank and Israel, or the illegal settlements outside the Israeli border), but they are asking for the international communities to help them now. Why should the international community assist Israel when they are only willing to listen when it suits their best interests.

The situation seems to be shaping up like a western-style standoff between Israel and Iran. Who is going to make the first move? It is hard to say, but if Israel goes in with all guns blazing, I am almost 100% sure that their backup (the U.S.) will be quick to follow.  

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